Support has been reiterated in Sligo to ban the use of victims' counselling notes in sexual violence cases.

A demonstration was held outside Leinster House on Tuesday, ahead of a new bill being introduced to the Dail, which if passed, would outlaw the practice.

At present, judges can allow notes, taken by a therapist during a counselling session, to be released to the defence and used in court.

Local Independent Cllr Marie Casserly previously tabled a motion at council level on the issue and contacted the Justice Minister over it:

The devastation in Donegal due to defective concrete blocks has been raised in the Seanad.

There are major concerns locally over the rollout of the current government scheme, with many believing that more needs to be done.

Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle highlighted that the Minister for Housing needs to visit the region.

Senator Boyle says even he was surprised by the scale of the crisis:

Those looking to take part in water-based activities are being reminded to take care and prioritise safety this Bank Holiday weekend.

Water Safety Ireland along with the Coast Guard and RNLI have issued a joint appeal.

With temperatures increasing and longer daylight hours, they're asking people to remain vigilant and plan their activities accordingly.

Warnings are also being issued to check weather forecasts and tide information.

Finn Mullen, Water Safety Manager with the RNLI says planning is key to enjoyment in the water:

It's emerged that over 350 prisoners are sleeping on floors in Irish prisons.

Figures published by the Irish Prison Service show that there are more people in prison than ever before at 5,344 - with 358 sleeping on the floor.

It comes as the Prison Officers' Association host their annual delegate conference in Galway this week, to discuss the overcrowding crisis among other items.

The PAO has accused the Government and the Department of Justice of consistently failing to deal with the overcrowding crisis by failing to plan for the increase in inmates.

It's Deputy General Secretary and Dromahair native, Gabriel Keaveney says action is needed once and for all:

Coillte is urging the public to avoid lighting fires or barbecues in high-risk areas outdoors during the Bank Holiday weekend.

A status orange high fire risk warning remains in place across the north west due to current dry patterns.

This increases the risk of fire spreading, particularly with low humidity and moderate winds.

With increased visitors to local forests, Coillte is reminding the public to avoid lighting fires or barbeques in high-risk outdoor areas.

It's communications manager, Pat Neville has this advice:

Efforts are underway to ensure that leaks in the orthopaedic theatre at Sligo University Hospital never happen again.

Rain has come through the roof of the theatre a number of times over the years, causing disruption to elective surgery.

Consultant John Kelly has this week described the orthopaedic department in Sligo as the worst in the country.

Today, the Health Minister paid a visit to the hospital today to turn the sod on the new 42 bed block.

It has also been confirmed that a decision on where a surgical hub will be established in the North West is expected to be made in the coming months.

A proposal already put forward has identified a site in Sligo and is set to be considered by senior leadership in the HSE in the weeks ahead.

Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill along with Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, West and North West, HSE have been in conversation with reporter Catherine Gaffney at the hospital this afternoon:

Inland Fisheries Ireland is urging the public to remain vigilant and prevent any future pollution incidents locally.

Just last week, the IFI highlighted two recent convictions in the north west.

Tullynamoyle Windfarm 5 Ltd was found to have caused silt to flow into a tributary of the River Bonet.

While BAM Civil Limited was found to have allowed a discharge of silt to enter Drumcliff River and Collinsford Stream.

Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer with the IFI, Aisling Donegan says incidents such as these are avoidable.

It's hoped that the Health Minister will take on board concerns surrounding Sligo University Hospital as part of her visit today.

Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is set to turn the sod on the 42 bed Block development at the hospital this morning.

The Ministers visit to Sligo comes just days after revelations that that rain is leaking through the roof of an orthopaedic theatre at the hospital.

Consultant John Kelly has described the orthopaedic department in Sligo as the worst in the country.

Fianna Fail Cllr Edel MacSharry says there are many issues that need to be addressed:

Fórsa members working in HSE and Section 38 hospitals, including in the north west have voted to approve the proposals to address the non-filling and delayed filling of vacant and suppressed health posts.

Section 39 organisations are privately owned charities and agencies that are contracted by the State to provide healthcare services.

In March, unions had served notice of industrial action to the HSE, in an escalation in the dispute over the effect of the 'Pay and Numbers' strategy.

Sligo Fórsa union representative, Pat Fallon is hopeful that the approval will mark a reset on how they engage with the HSE.

We remember Sligo GAA’s cycling referee – and goalkeeper – John Lee who has passed away this week.

Reflections on Wednesday night's pulsating Ulster under-20 football final from Danny O’Donnell and Martin McHugh.

Zoe Lee Nicholson on the jOYS of wheel-to-wheel racing at Mondello Park.

The new Tag Rugby Season returns in Sligo. Sarah Mullen is recruiting new players. - and - she’s persuasive.

Plus - Jonny Garrity and Muireann Devaney on Leitrim's promising start to the Connacht LGFA senior football championship.